Mads Pedersen wins stage 2 of Paris-Nice in chaotic sprint finish

Stage 2 of Paris-Nice led to another sprint finish, but a more chaotic one. Mads Pedersen thrived in these conditions and has taken the stage win.

A pan-flat day in the French race, it was one where not even the smaller teams had many intentions to ride quickly. Jonas Gregaard of Uno-X Pro Cycling Team was the lone escapee throughout the day, a move that never endangered the stage result. His attack was reeled in with still 54 kilometers remaining.

The breeze caused tension in the peloton, with the road filled by mostly the GC teams who looked to keep their leaders safe. It wasn't strong enough to lead to echelons however, everything remained compact. With 13 kilometers to go another intermediate sprint saw UAE accelerate, and Tadej Pogacar got another 6 seconds on his rivals - now with 12 gotten over two days.

A bunch sprint was inevitable however. The speed gradually began to rise towards the line. A crash just outside the final kilometer led to some chaos, but several of the main sprinters were out of position. Trek - Segafredo were not, they managed to execute a strong leadout. Mads Pedersen was not the first to launch his sprint but was the fastest, as he very narrowly beat Olav Kooij, with Magnus Cort Nielsent he third crossing the line.